Here is an article with 8 paragraphs on the subject of ‘Sustainable Laundry Secrets: Gentle on Your Clothes, Kind to the Planet’, written like a real journalist:
# Sustainable Laundry Secrets: Gentle on Your Clothes, Kind to the Planet
We often think of sustainable practices as something we should implement from production to the consumption of clothing. But a sustainable lifestyle can also be applied to the care of our clothes once we have them. After all, taking good care of our garments means we should be able to wear them longer, reducing the need to frequently replace them. As the saying goes, “Take care of your clothes, and your clothes will take care of you.” But unfortunately, the way we do laundry is often far from sustainable.
Most of us don’t give a second thought to chucking our clothes into the wash, hitting start, and moving on with our day. But the harsh detergents and hot water we use during laundry can negatively impact our garments, contributing to the estimated microfiber pollution released into the ocean each year from abrasion and shedding due to washing. In addition, the resources needed for the millions of laundry loads done globally each day contribute to the carbon emissions and water pollution that plague the industry. Fortunately, there are some easy-to-implement solutions for those of us looking to be more gentle on our clothing and the planet:
1. Full loads only: Waiting until the washer is full is an easy way to ensure you aren’t wasting water and energy. If you’re waiting for a full load, consider hand-washing delicate items in the meantime. If you’re nervous about items bleeding or getting tangled up together, consider pre-soaking or using laundry balls that help prevent colours from bleeding.
2. Cold water cycles are enough: Most of the energy used doing laundry is from heating the water. Unless you’re cleaning towels or linens that have been used for spills or accidents, using cold water is just as effective at cleaning your clothes while ensuring you aren’t using unnecessary energy.
3. Consider a laundry basket divider: Most of us sort our laundry into colours and load them into the machine that way, but it can be easy to miss a red sock in a pile of whites. Using a laundry basket divider helps you keep colours separate from whites and darks until it’s time to do your laundry. It also means you can grab one load at a time, making it easier to wait for a full load without overwhelming your laundry space.
4. Use eco-friendly detergents: Traditional detergents can be full of harmful chemicals that are rough on our clothes and the environment. Look for detergents with plant-based ingredients, no harsh chemicals, and no artificial fragrances, as these are often less harsh on clothes, especially more delicate fabrics like wool and silk. Some companies are also now offering laundry sheets that come in paper packaging (and can sometimes be composted), which cuts down on the need for big plastic jugs.
5. Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softeners can actually damage your clothes by building up on fibres and making them less absorbent. They also often contain animal ingredients and chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Where possible, try using alternatives such as vinegar or dryer balls to reduce static and stiffness.
6. Repair and recycle: Before automatically tossing a torn garment, consider repairing it. Local tailors and sewing shops can help restore pieces to a wearable state, and often at a low cost. If the garment is truly beyond repair, check for recycling options at local textile recycling programs. Some companies also offer discounts or incentives for helping to keep clothing out of landfills.
7. Store clothes properly: Even the way we store our clothing can have an impact on the planet. Using vacuum storage bags can help reduce the space your clothes take up in your closet or storage, which means you can buy fewer pieces in the future and keep what you have for years to come. Choose bags that are transparent and breathable to protect from moths and mould without the need for nasty chemicals.
8. Consider a laundry app: If doing laundry is a headache, consider using a laundry app that will pick up, wash, and deliver your clothes and other textiles for you. Not only can it be more convenient for your busy schedule, but it can also be more sustainable because you only pay for the wash cycle your clothes need.
These steps are easy to implement and can help extend the life of our clothes while reducing our impact on the planet. Because when we take care of our clothes, our clothes take care of us.
# END NOTE
Although there are other ways to improve sustainability in the fashion industry, implementing these sustainable laundry secrets will make us kinder to our clothes, reduce our water and energy usage, and keep our purchases sustainable.
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